Colombo is in an exciting phase in its history. There is a sense of renewed ambition now that peace has been restored to Sri Lanka, but it remains a compact, manageable coastal city offering excellent value and an atmosphere all of its own. Ancestral mansions stand side-by-side with modern hotels springing up into the skyline. Street bazaars buzz right next to a few modest shopping malls. While some roads are clogged with vehicles, there remain many sleepy tree-lined boulevards. Colombo might be mildly chaotic at times but it has at its heart a relaxed and genial air.

RECOMMENDED NOT TO MISS

• Dining at The Gallery Café
• The buzz of Pettah bazaar
• Colonial-period churches in the Fort
• Shoping and dining in the Dutch Hospital shopping arcade
• The city’s temples and Kovils
• The latest productions at Lionel Wendt theatre
• A stroll down Galle Face Green

The north-west coast begins with the popular beach resort of Negombo – only a few miles from the international airport – but venture further north for whale and dolphin spotting, game parks and lagoons. Negombo apart, the remote coastal towns to the far north, Kalpitiya and Mannar, remain untouched by mass tourism. Wilpattu is arguably Sri Lanka’s most scenic national park, the seas off the coast of Kalpitiya are home to dolphins and whales while Mannar is a haven for exotic migrant birds from October to March. A largely unchanged region awaiting discovery.

RECOMMENDED NOT TO MISS

• Sun-kissed beaches and tranquil waters of Negombo’s lagoon
• Negombo’s catamarans with their bellowing sails
• Morning fish auction on Negombo beach
• Dutch canals and churches
• Muthurajawela marshes – home to numerous birds, fish and monitor lizards

TIME TABLE OF THE ACTIVITIES

• 09.15 AM – Bottle feeding baby Elephants
• 10.00 AM – Going to the river The herd leaves for the nearby river which is a beautiful site
• 12.00 AM – Herd returns from the river
• 1.15 PM – Bottle feeding baby Elephants
• 2.00 PM – Going to the river Herd again leaves to the river for a bath
• 4.00 PM – Herd returns from the river
• 5.00 PM – Bottle feeding Baby Elephants

RECOMMENDED NOT TO MISS

• Secluded Palm fringed beaches of Kalpitiya
• Whales and dolphins in Kalpitiya
• Jeep safari into the jungles of Wilpattu in search of the illusive leopard
• Rural village life in Aanamaduwa

Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle has enthralled millions of travellers. It covers the north central towns of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya and Dambulla where extensive archeological ruins, protected as World Heritage Sites, provide a glimpse into the island’s history. It is here that Sri Lanka’s kings developed remarkably advanced civilisations. The central plains have low rainfall and several hotels are sumptuous enough to provide a holiday in their own right.

RECOMMENDED NOT TO MISS

• The extensive ruins of the former capitals, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa
• The climb up the giant rock fortress of Sigirya Dambulla’s cave paintings and Buddha statues
• The wooded walk through the ruins of Ritilgala

The bustling hill-country capital of Kandy lies on a plain amidst towering hills and looped by Sri Lanka’s largest river: the Mahaweli. The town’s pleasant temperate climate, its scenic location and its rich history has made it a favourite haunt for travellers. It is also the natural gateway to the stirring peaks of Sri Lanka’s hill country. During the month of August, Kandy dazzles with the sounds and lights of the Kandy Perehara – a magnificent procession where a sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha is majestically paraded on elephant back along the streets.

RECOMMENDED NOT TO MISS

• A pooja at the Temple of the Tooth in honour of Lord Buddha
• The Kandy Perehara, one of the finest cultural festivals in Asia
• Roses and orchids in Peradeniya’s Botanical Gardens
• Trekking in the magnificent Knuckles mountain range Round of golf at the Victoria Golf & Country Resort

RECOMMENDED NOT TO MISS

• Walk through lush green tea plantations, mountainous landscapes and rural villages
• Take a train journey to the southern highlands Stunning vistas – viewed all the way from Haputale to the south coast on a clear day
• Night-time climb up the sacred Adam’s Peak

RECOMMENDED NOT TO MISS

• Breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and Trincomalee harbour from Swami Rock
• White sandy beaches of Trincomalee and Pasikudah Ancient Koneswaram Kovil and Fort Federick
• Whale and dolphin watching expedition into the deep seas

RECOMMENDED NOT TO MISS

• Surfing in the laid-back beach settlement of Arugam Bay in July and August
• Eating spicy Roti and fresh seafood at one of Arugam Bay’s beachside restaurants
• Wild elephants in Lahugala National Park
• Jungle trek to the ancient ruins of Kudimbigala

RECOMMENDED NOT TO MISS

• Surfing in Mirissa
• Scuba diving in Dickwella
• Whale & dolphin spotting off the coast of Mirissa Turtle night safari in Rekawa

RECOMMENDED NOT TO MISS

• Wander along the ramparts of Galle Fort
• Visit Galle’s museums, arts and craft shops
• Surfing and sunset cocktails at Wijaya Beach

RECOMMENDED NOT TO MISS

• Water skiing in Bentota
• Dancing the night away in Hikkaduwa
• Stroll through Bevis Bawa’s Brief gardens
• Kosgoda’s marine turtles

RECOMMENDED NOT TO MISS

• Whitewater rafting on Kelani River
• Trekking in Sinharaja’s tropical rainforest
• Visiting gem mines in Ratnapura
• A magical night-time climb up the sacred Adam’s Peak

RECOMMENDED NOT TO MISS

• The magnificent Yala leopard
• Yala’s open plains and abundant wildlife
• Herds of wild elephants
• The untamed beaches of the Yala coastline